The most beautiful beaches of Costa Smeralda

Costa Smeralda is famous for its sea, but what makes the difference is variety: beaches of fine, pale sand, coves sheltered by Mediterranean scrub, and water that shifts from green to turquoise within a few metres. Choosing where to start is not easy, and the right choice depends on what you are looking for: relaxation, snorkelling, a family day or a bit of peace and quiet.

The gulf of Cala di Volpe is home to some of the beaches we know best, because we work there every day. Li Itriceddi is a stretch of pale sand with a pinkish tint and clear water, cooled by the air from the Mediterranean scrub. Liscia Ruja is a long beach of fine sand set among greenery, in the southern part of Costa Smeralda: it is reached along a few kilometres of dirt road, which is exactly why it keeps a quieter atmosphere.

Further along the coast you will find other much-loved beaches. At Capriccioli the sand is very fine, with silvery reflections, and the pinkish granite forms two small coves separated by large rounded boulders, among junipers, mastic trees and maritime pines. Spiaggia del Principe is a wide arc of fine white sand, split by a small granite promontory into two coves: to get there you walk a short path through the vegetation. Cala Petra Ruja, about 250 metres long, has a half-moon shape between two headlands, soft white sand and reddish granite rocks, which give the place its name: "red stone".

To see the coast without depending on the busiest roads, the sea is often the most convenient way. With a RIB you can reach coves that are otherwise hard to get to, choose the right time to avoid the crowds, and change beach several times in the same day. If you prefer to travel by land, you can set off from our Abbiadori office and reach viewpoints and coves along the coastal roads by scooter or bicycle.

A few practical tips: in July and August it is best to arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon, bring water and sun protection, and check access and services for each beach in advance. On our side, at Li Itriceddi and Liscia Ruja we run the beach clubs, with sunbeds, umbrellas and watersports equipment: if you want to know how to plan your day, get in touch.